Paint b4 sand? Also contract issue

Greetings,

My extension is almost done. The builder has advised me that its best to paint the rooms before the floor is sanded otherwise the floor will get wrecked?

Whats your opinion on this? Does it matter?

The issue is - if I paint it it means I have agreed to signing off the project and am happy with the work...its in the standard Master Builders contract...not sure of the clause?

I do not want to sign if off so am in a dilemma. Does it really matter if I paint the walls and ceiling after the sanding???

Cheers

Cobber

So long as you don't drip any paint on the floor I can't see the problem. Just buy some good drop sheets and go for it!

Thanks Woodbutcher - pehaps the builder just wants me to sign off on the project and is trying to hoodwink me....I would have thoughty I could wipe the paint off the floor anyway.

Cobber,
ideally try not to get any paint on the floor in the first place. I do really recommend dropsheets as a first choice. I had bought some professional dropsheets when I was renovating my last house and they are great. The cheapo plastic ones from bunnings are alright but aren't that durable.

Cobber,
it is better practice to polish floors after all other trades are finished, so in that regard the builder isn't trying to hoodwink you. If your contract specifies that you're doing th painting and that commencement is equal to signing off, well, that's another matter. The structural guarantees still stand, but possibly you have no redress for minor defects. Yopu could always tell him you'll get the place inspected before commenciong painting and ask for a variation which will make the floor finishing subject to your final approval (ie, it's not covered by your signing off on teh rest of the job)

Mick

Thanks everyone. The builder reckons if i paint it means " I have taking possession of the property" which means I am satisfied with its condition. Apparantly there is a claue in the contract which I will review on the weekend. It sounds a bit wishy washy to me.

Cobber